Wieniawski: Polonaise De Concert (Viool en Piano)

The Polonaise de concert, Op. 4 is the first of two polonaises composed by H. Wieniawski.The original version of the Polonaise de concert was inspired by Karol Lipiński, to whom it is dedicated. When Wieniawski made the first draft of the Polonaise, in 1849, he had not yet learned the principles of counterpoint and harmony. The Polonaise was composed in two versions: for violin with piano accompaniment, and for violin and orchestra. The design of this work is a cross between reprise form and rondo form. The main section (A) comprises the segments a, a1, b and a, of which the eight-bar theme (a) clearly fulfils the role of a dynamic, powerful refrain. The middle section displays more lyrical expression in its themes and phrases, but it is varied in character, featuring virtuoso elements. The refrain theme also appears, confirming the rondo scheme. A new figurational theme divides the last appearance of the main theme-refrain and the virtuosic coda.